GDOT swapping driving lane for bike lane on Ponce

ATLANTA - One lane of a popular Atlanta thoroughfare is being removed to make room for a bike lane.

Crews have been working during overnight hours to repave Ponce de Leon Avenue in northeast Atlanta for weeks. Sections of the road that were three lanes are being reduced to two from Moreland Avenue to the Interstate75/85 connector.

Some drivers told Channel 2 Action News they’re not happy with the permanent change, but some bike riders said they were afraid to ride on the busy street, and they like the idea of having their own lane.

“It’s horrible. The sidewalk is horrible, not smooth. I’m just too afraid to ride on Ponce because they drive like maniacs. They speed. Everyone’s in a rush to get somewhere,” bike rider Dominique Phyall said.

The Georgia Department of Transportation said the work on the bike lane should be completed by October, and work on the sidewalks will continue into next year.